Silver Torch

Plant Type: Cacti
Plant Height: 2-3 feet
Spread: 1-2 feet
Flower Color: red to burgundy
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Cleistocactus strausii (Silver Torch) – A Striking, Columnar Cactus for Arizona Gardens

The Cleistocactus strausii, commonly known as the Silver Torch, is a visually striking columnar cactus native to the high mountain regions of Bolivia and Argentina. Renowned for its slender, vertical growth and silvery-white appearance, this cactus adds a touch of exotic beauty to any desert landscape or succulent garden.

Key Features of Silver Torch Cactus:

• Silvery-White Spines: The Silver Torch cactus is admired for its densely covered stems with fine, silvery-white spines, giving it a soft, woolly appearance. These columnar stems grow upright in a clustered formation, making it an ideal choice for vertical interest in gardens.
• Vertical Growth: Typically reaching 2 to 3 feet in height when cultivated, this cactus can grow up to 6 feet or more under optimal conditions, creating a striking visual statement in the landscape.

Ideal for Arizona's Climate

The Silver Torch cactus thrives in Arizona’s hot, dry climate, making it perfect for xeriscaping, cactus gardens, and rock gardens. Its low-maintenance care and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a hardy, sculptural plant.

• Full Sun: This cactus requires full sun to maintain its dense spiny coverage and ensure healthy growth.
• Well-Draining Soil: Like most cacti, the Silver Torch prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

Why Choose Silver Torch Cactus for Your Arizona Garden?

• Low-Maintenance Care: Perfect for desert landscapes and low-water gardens, the Silver Torch cactus is highly drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal watering.
• Striking Floral Display: In the summer, this cactus produces tubular, red to burgundy flowers that emerge horizontally from the stems. These blooms are a favorite of hummingbirds, adding both beauty and ecological value to your garden.
• Unique Aesthetic Appeal: With its vertical growth and silvery spines, the Silver Torch brings an exotic, architectural element to rock gardens, cactus gardens, or as a container specimen.

Growth and Care

The Cleistocactus strausii is an easy-care cactus that thrives in full sun and requires well-draining soil. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Be cautious of overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. In Arizona’s climate, the Silver Torch is a perfect addition to any low-water landscape.

Planting & Care Tips

• Sun Exposure: The Silver Torch thrives in full sun, which promotes dense spiny coverage and healthy growth.
• Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent overwatering.
• Soil: Plant in well-draining cactus soil to ensure proper water drainage, which is essential for the plant's health.

The Silver Torch cactus (Cleistocactus strausii) is a low-maintenance, visually stunning plant that brings an exotic, sculptural element to Arizona gardens. Its silvery spines, vertical growth, and striking red flowers make it a standout choice for xeriscaping and desert landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Silver Torch

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 4-5 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Silver Torch is a self-supporting cactus and requires no staking, growing tall with thick, columnar stems

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 7-10 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Silver Torch is considered established after 4-6 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 6-8 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the cactus for deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 6-8 weeks